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How to Adjust a Drinking Fountain

Dale Yalanovsky

Adjusting a drinking fountain means adjusting the water flow coming into the fountain itself. Too much flow will cause water to cascade over the end of the fountain bowl or splash along the sides, and too little water flow will not allow anyone to receive an adequate drink.

Drinking fountain

Tip

This task can be done alone, but having another pair of hands to keep the water flowing will make the adjustment easier.

Warning

Most adjustment screws are made of metal. However, some water fountain models use plastic adjusting screws; be careful not to overturn or overtighten plastic screws until they break.

Of course, water flow out of the fountain is subjective. Adjustments are more easily made with someone to help out.

  1. Locate the screws that hold the cover of the drinking fountain in place, and remove them. You will need either a flat-blade screwdriver or a Phillips head to do this. Rotate the screws counterclockwise, and place the cover off to the side.

  2. Locate the fountain head water adjustment screw. It will be found beneath the valve that activates the water flow, on the water feed pipe that supplies the fountain head.

  3. Turn the valve handle or push the valve button to activate the water flow.

  4. Insert the applicable tool into the adjustment screw. This tool may be a flat-blade screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver or an Allen wrench head, depending on the model of the water fountain you are servicing.

  5. Rotate the adjustment screw in a counterclockwise direction to increase water flow or in a clockwise direction to decrease water flow. Turn the screw in half-turn increments, and monitor what happens to the water pressure at the fountain head. Adjust the water flow accordingly, and make sure that there is enough flow for a comfortable drink.

  6. Replace the cover when your adjustment is complete.